Fairy lore in the high mountains of South Asia and the hymn of the Garhwali fairy ‘Daughter of the Hills’1

Abstract

This essay is divided in two parts. The first part gives an overview on fairy-related traditions in the high mountains of South Asia. It concentrates on Nuristan and Dardistan2 as well as on Garhwal (there especially on Bangan3) and highlights similarities and differences between these two areas. Moreover, it looks at more distant parallels and at relationships between fairy cults and Hindu Tantrism. The second part presents a recently recorded hymn to the fairy ‘Daughter of the hills’ and discusses its functions and background. Keywords: Himalayan folk religions and oral traditions, fairy lore